Plan to ban booze ads connected to sport

The West Australian

Friday, 17 July 2009 6:27PM

Alcohol advertising associated with major sports events could be banned under controversial proposals by a health think-tank.

The National Preventative Health Task Force, selected by Prime Minister Kevin Rudd to advise the federal government on policy, has called for an end to booze adverts connected with sports teams, arenas and during live sports broadcasts, News Ltd reports.

Initial estimates suggest sporting codes could lose up to $300 million if the proposals, designed to improve public health, are approved.

Cricket Australia, the AFL, National Rugby League and Australian Rugby Union would all lose revenue, it is claimed.

A report by the task force is said to also recommend an advertising ban on websites and magazines aimed at young people.

A spokeswoman for Health Minister Nicola Roxon declined to comment on the report other than to say the minister was "considering all the recommendations" before it is publicly released.